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Fiat Stilo

With Fiat having financial worries and an ageing line-up, the Stilo was charged with reviving the firm's fortunes. The replacement for the Bravo and Brava had to be good to succeed - and to a degree it has.

August 2003

With Fiat having financial worries and an ageing line-up, the Stilo was charged with reviving the firm's fortunes. The replacement for the Bravo and Brava had to be good to succeed - and to a degree it has.
Competitively priced, well equipped and sporty to drive, the Stilo is a competent family contender. But as a new car, it faces strong rivals, and it's only an attractive buy if offered at a price you can't refuse. As a second-hand purchase, though, the Fiat makes more sense. Residual values are weaker than on the VW Golf, Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, yet the Stilo has more interior space and a larger boot.
Checklist

* Electrics: there are reports of failed ECUs, problems with on-board computer systems and faulty ESP and ABS. But cars are still under warranty, so repairs should be free.

* Headlights: don't worry about condensation in the headlamp units. Very wet weather can mist the lenses for a few days, but this does not affect the lamps' performance.

* Engine: some early cars suffered from a dodgy electric fan, which should have been fixed under a recall. Check the temperature gauge stays static by letting the engine idle for at least 10 minutes.

* Gearbox: a number of Stilos had their transmissions replaced early on, and cars from December 2001 onwards have a revised box.

* Bodywork: ignore small dents and scrapes at your peril. Panels for the Fiat are fairly expensive, and some owners who have had repairs carried out report delays in the replacement parts arriving.
Driving impressions
The Stilo is lively to drive and thrives on high revs. Even the entry-level 1.2-litre version is no slouch, accelerating from 0-60mph in a respectable 13.4 seconds, while the 16-valve powerplant has an even torque spread, making for adequate mid-range grunt.
Large engines are punchy, but avoid the Abarth with the awkward Selespeed gearbox. Our pick is the 115bhp JTD, which returns an impressive 52mpg.
Glass's View
Fiat residual values have taken a hammering during recent months, and heavy dealer discounting on new Stilos means the rot is unlikely to stop soon. Buying a new Stilo is a poor investment unless you get a cracking deal, but a used one is more sensible as prices are low compared to the car's key rivals. If you're purchasing second-hand, the 1.8 Active air-con or Dynamic models make most sense. Diesels hold their value better than petrol versions, but cost more to buy. Jeff Paterson, Snr Cars Editor, Glass's Guide
Life With A Stilo
My Stilo is great to drive, but has been plagued by electrical problems. It had to have a new ECU fitted after only six months, although since then the car has been much more reliable. Raymond Soames, Dunfermline, Fife
The 2.4 Abarth is fun and feels quicker than the Vauxhall Astra Turbo I owned before. But I'm still not sure about the Selespeed transmission. Andy Jacobsen, Bedford

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Compared to the concept car looks of the Bravo and Brava, the Stilo verges on the plain. With a soft-touch dashboard and damped controls, the interior has an Alfa-like aura to it. And while the design and layout break little new ground, much thought has gone into the cabin's usability. The fully electric Duodrive power-steering reduces drain on the battery, and varies the amount of assistance, depending on speed. However, the system has an artificial feel.

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VERDICT

    Compared to the concept car looks of the Bravo and Brava, the Stilo verges on the plain. With a soft-touch dashboard and damped controls, the interior has an Alfa-like aura to it. And while the design and layout break little new ground, much thought has gone into the cabin's usability. The fully electric Duodrive power-steering reduces drain on the battery, and varies the amount of assistance, depending on speed. However, the system has an artificial feel.
 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:2
Running costs (ppm):n/a
Insurance groups:4-14

HISTORY

    2001: Introduced as three or five-door hatchback. Four petrol engines: 80bhp 1.2, 103bhp 1.6, 133bhp 1.8 and 170bhp 2.4-litre in the Abarth. Sporty and refined 115bhp 1.9 JTD diesel also available. Four trims offered: Active, Active with air-con, Dynamic and Abarth. The range-topping Abarth boasts Selespeed transmission as standard. 2002: Entry-level 80bhp 1.9 JTD is launched with Active trim only. 2003: Multi Wagon estate replaces Marea Weekend. Offered with 1.6, 1.8 or JTD engines only, in Active, Active air-con or Dynamic trims.
 
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